Romulus 0 Chasetown 1

A Gary Birch strike warmed the visiting supporters as Chasetown ran out winners in a lacklustre game.

In freezing conditions a fairly slow start saw former Scholar Sam Smith clear Danny Smith's cross on six minutes, with Danny Douglas then halting an attack by Birch.

Visiting keeper Ryan Price's was soon called into action and his good afternoon continued on 25 minutes when he superbly saved a Sam Smith header.

Birch then headed a Mark Branch corner over and Richard Teesdale did likewise soon after, while Price stopped two efforts from Blake.

In stoppage time, Craig Holland went down near the dugouts and was carried off with a suspected broken toe, with Richard Batchelor replacing him.

The winner came in the 52nd minute. Ben Steane passed short and the Romulus defence looked set to clear, but Batchelor stole the ball and fired in a cross.

Home keeper Matt Harris got a hand to it, but Birch was on hand to stab home.

The Scholars are next in action on New Year's Day as they host league leaders Leamington at the Scholars Ground (3pm).

Chasetown: Price, J Branch (c), M Branch, Slater, Teesdale, Williams, Steane, Parsons, Birch, Smith, Holland.

Subs: Perrow, Onokah, Miller, Batchelor (Holland 45), Thomas.

Referee: N Day.

Attendance: 407.